News

The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC) is proud to announce that Kim Hokanson has been named director of Contractor Relations for the union. The appointment, by Executive Secretary-Treasurer Joe Byrne, continues Hokanson’s steady climb through the union ranks, from organizer/representative to regional manager and deputy director of Contractor Relations.

“Two of the most important things our union must do to continue its success are developing industry leaders and maintaining a culture of collaboration,” Byrne said. “Kim has taken advantage of every opportunity available during her career to learn and become a more effective leader. As director of contractor relations, she will continue to expand and deepen the crucial relationships between construction employers and our union.”

“In the construction industry, a strong partnership between labor and management isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential,”  said Hokanson “As we move forward, my focus is on building on the current partnerships as this collaboration builds trust, resolves conflicts early, and ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, and with shared pride.”

The Contractor Relations Department of NASRCC works with construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors to eliminate barriers to their success. More than ensuring communication that allows employers to tap into a qualified pool of crafts workers, they help companies expand by accessing new construction markets or facilitating relationships with other employers, businesses or municipal leaders who have existing relationships with the union.

Hokanson came into the union as an apprentice in 2006 and is a member of Carpenters Local 352 in Northern New England. She participated in the first cohort of a joint program between the union and Wentworth Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in Construction Management.

Prior to being hired by the union in 2018, Hokanson worked 12 years for New England Finish Systems as a carpenter, foreperson and ultimately the company’s outside superintendent, running the Doors and Hardware Division of the company.

Upon joining the union staff, Hokanson was assigned as an organizer to the Northeast Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire areas. She then served stints as an organizer/representative in Vermont and New Hampshire. She was appointed regional manager for Northern New England in 2021 before becoming deputy director of Contractor Relations and a member of the NASRCC senior leadership in 2024.

Hokanson has been a member of the NASRCC Executive Board since 2021, being elected to the positions of warden and then conductor, a position she still holds.